Petroleum Association of Wyoming

News Releases

Wyoming Flaring Equals ¼ of 1 PercentData Proved Wyoming Does Not Have a Flaring Problem

New WY Flaring Rule Will Ensure Even More Data in Future

Casper, Wyoming – Actual statewide field reporting of the amount of gas flared from Wyoming wells show that only .26 percent of Wyoming’s total natural gas production was flared or vented.

The data, compiled from 51,880 oil and gas wells reported to the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission from all 23 counties in 2014, demonstrates Wyoming flaring levels are significantly less than other producing states of that same year.

“For the public, regulators and the operators, this was a key question to ask and answer with real data. What the data proves is that Wyoming does not have a flaring problem,” said John Robitaille, Vice-President of the Wyoming Petroleum Association.

“Understandably this is important to answer for the public, regulators and for the industry – especially in these tough economic times where every efficiency must be used. When the industry is being forced to lay off people, distressing families, no one takes charges of ‘waste’ lightly. Responsibility is the bottom line, and fortunately Wyoming can be assured by the data that we do not have a flaring problem in this state.” Robitaille said.

Furthermore, the fractional volume of flared gas may contain inert gasses, such as nitrogen, that would not be sold as a commodity or be used to heat homes, Robitaille said.

“Wyoming’s 2014 measurements of .26 percent is an outstanding story of responsibility and good news for the public,” Robitaille said. “Speaking for all of us who strive to protect the state we love, working women and men who are responsible and safety driven, please understand that companies are doing all they can to save jobs and strengthen Wyoming’s economy,” he added.

The new Wyoming flaring rule, being considered by State regulators, will provide even more data and metrics by which to evaluate volumes flared or vented quarterly, Robitaille said. “It will give regulators a much better data-set to further understand venting and flaring on state, fee and federal lands.”

Robitaille said, “Data gaps pre-2012 have been a problem in the past, but the new flaring rule that strictly requires additional measuring and testing will mean the WOGCC has the information it needs.”

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The Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) is the largest and oldest petroleum industry trade association in the state. PAW is dedicated to the betterment of the state's oil and gas industry by providing a forum for interaction among members, the public, and local, state and federal governments.